Affiliations: Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental
Access, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Shelley Kaplan, MSccc, Center for
Assistive Technology and Environmental Access, Georgia Institute of Technology,
490 10th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA. Tel.: +1 404 385 0636;
Fax: +1 404 895 0641; E-mail: shelley.kaplan@coa.gatech.edu
Abstract: Telecommuting, whether full time, part time, or over short periods
when the need arises, can be an important accommodation for employees with
disabilities. Indeed, telecommuting may be the only form of accommodation that
offers employees whose disabilities fluctuate a means to stay consistently and
gainfully employed. This article describes one employer's experience in
considering a request for telecommuting as a reasonable accommodation for a
particular employee. Drawing on real-life examples, both positive and negative,
this article provides a win/win framework for decision-making that can help
employers evaluate the use of telecommuting as a possible accommodation and
facilitates open and ongoing communication between employer and employee.
